Aside from their apparent taste for fur (that hat?) (and maybe an old jacket?), and the occasional less-than-steller instrumentation and/or singing (it's not always about perfect playing), there's no denying (I'm asking for it with that one) that Those Darlins are an entertaining band. Last night (1/15) at Mercury Lounge, the crowd (myself included) seemed to be enjoying the young trio+drummer's country tunes - they were the perfect way to warm everyone up for Norway's Ida Maria who came up, and tore the place up, next.

Show bookers seem to already know this about Those Darlins. If you haven't noticed, much like the Vivian Girls, this mostly-female band is suddenly appearing on every other (alt-country) bill. To name a few... they've recently played with O'Death, Heartless Bastards, Langhorne Slim, Deer Tick, Boss Hog, and have an upcoming tour scheduled with Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys (which has them back at Bowery and Music Hall). Last night they opened for Ida Maria at Mercury Lounge, and TONIGHT (1/16) they play with The Soft Pack (formerly the Muslims) and the Browns at Mercury Lounge (again). Saturday night they play their 3rd NYC show in a row (they're from Tennessee) at Union Pool (also with The Soft Pack).

Comments (13)

BV...thanks for covering Those Darlins. After reading their bio off their myspace I decided to give them a chance. These girls back grounds are fascinating and explain their music and dress...I like the hat! It is also refreshing to see a band who is simply about fun AND not wrapped up in themselves. Seeing them tonight...figured a later time slot would make for a better party!

i saw them last night and they were GREAT
the drummer (who was he?) was fantastic.
their record don't sound like much
and doesn't do them any justice.
but live it sounded like The Stooges gone country.
i loved them

I normally hate anything that is described using the word "fun" on this site.
Those Darlins have something going on though. Stage presence is hard to come by these days. The blonde girl can actually play, and so can the drummer. And the songs are really good.
They were definitely the best band on any of these bills.
I gave "Soft Pack" a chance, they sounded like Pavement on their myspace, how bad could it be? They frankly aren't any good. Proficiency does not necessarily make good music. High school battle of the bands material, like a lot of the stuff you kids seem to like these days...